Unlock, Rebrand, Unbrick, Update - FunkyHuawei Support Thread for Mate 20 Pro

[duraaraa]

I guess once could then ask the question: What if someone in relation to Huawei pays you for a phone (global) pre-rooted. Then, they investigate how or where the exploit was made - and eventually patch it anyway?

No, Huawei would see the result, not the process that leads to the result. Of course there's never any guarantee regarding when and if Huawei patches any exploit. It's just best to minimize the possibility.

It may take longer, but we'd end up in the same position as before if Huawei wanted to control root on their global models...and, given your work/livelihood, you would know better than most: If Huawei did NOT want this to happen, they certainly wouldn't make the CN version as simple and easy to root as you claim in this thread...and they'd have something in the pipeline, if not available now ready to patch the exploit...

I still do not see how the CN and Global versions can be so completely and insanely different.

RoOSTA

It's because the CN firmware doesn't have 'Enable OEM Unlock' -- no CN versions ever have.
The global versions have that extra hurdle.

I am looking into various alternatives, for example the possibility of flashing Chinese firmware to the global phone to allow it to be unlocked and other such ideas. I would prefer to have a do-it-yourself solution. That is much simpler and much less work for me to offer than having to root and sell physical phones to people around the world.

But so far the alternatives are not looking good. I don't think the chance is very high unless either the criteria for 'Enable OEM Unlock' availability is discovered or enabled by Huawei, or if there's a way to flash the Chinese firmware onto the global version, which based on research so far, there are protections against which can't be overcome easily.

Flashing the global firmware onto an unlocked/rooted Chinese phone also, is not looking good. There's a lot of protection against rebranding. Still, research is ongoing. It's my full-time job, so believe me that I am looking harder than anyone into what can be done.

Huawei does not want these phones to be rooted or modified. That's why they stopped giving out unlock codes, and why they apparently began disabling OEM Unlock selection. It's an uphill battle. For now, the only sure way to have a rooted global version would be buying one pre-rooted. Hopefully I will be able to begin offering that pretty soon.

 

[roosta]

Well like @cd993 said, if you need help from a Brit or an Aussie, let us know. I used my LG V20 (from 2 phones ago) as a test bunny behind the scenes for what became a workable root version offered for the Snapdragon dual sim model.

So, you're essentially confirming you'd need to pull the phone apart? If you are physically pulling the phone apart - what if you were to crack/bend/break the screen? What if it doesn't fit snug back together? You'd have to logically think if the risk is worth investing in...as I wouldn't pay anyone for a rooted phone if it showed external signs of tampering. Some serious hurdles here!

My biggest concern trialling the flashing of CN firmware to Global is the difference (if the exist) between bands between the 2 firmwares...Take for example in Australia, major carrier Telstra over "4GX" faster than the standard 4G in metropolitan areas which utilises B28 (700Mhz). If I was to lose this, I probably wouldn't be interested in getting the phone same thing for most or major 3G networks in Aus....

RoOSTA

 

[duraaraa]

This is in ways good news, but I'm concered about a couple of things. If rooted, I would really want Magisk - is this a possibility? As I love the modules that can be sued with it. Also "To be sure to keep root, do not update your system, at all." - so once rooted we can never update, no ongoing support/ability to update the system?

Magisk is a possibility. I hear it supports EMUI 9 in test builds. Once it fully supports EMUI 9, you would be able to flash it using the root privilege over ADB.

You can update the system, but it would overwrite root, so you'd lose it, yes.

 

[cd993]

Magisk is a possibility. I hear it supports EMUI 9 in test builds. Once it fully supports EMUI 9, you would be able to flash it using the root privilege over ADB.

You can update the system, but it would overwrite root, so you'd lose it, yes.

Ahh this is a shame and a deal breaker for me. I don;t want a premium phone and never be able to update it.

I've actually returned my Mate 20 Pro due to screen uniformity issues and now debating whether to bother getting a replacement or just cancel and switch to another device.

Thank you for getting back in touch, it is appreciated.

 

[trivita]

This is the official FunkyHuawei support thread for the Mate 20 Pro.
The below applies to both the Mate 20 and the Mate 20 Pro.

Install:
Currently FunkyHuawei has a new install method for EMUI 9 devices which is not public as of yet.

Unbrick:
Unbricking will be possible with the new HiSuite 9 method, but it is not public as of yet.

Rebrand:
Rebranding is not currently planned to be offered. Neither is single sim to dual sim conversion. This may change in the future.

Unlock:
Unlock codes are available via the unlock code order form, or by purchasing an unlimited pass. See the site for details.
If you have a global variant, make sure that you can choose Enable OEM Unlock in developer options. So far we have seen the option grayed out on all devices. If you can't enable this, even with the code, you can't unlock the bootloader.
It has been confirmed that bootloader unlocking on the Chinese variant is possible. On the global variant we can give you the code, but you'll need to be able to choose Enable OEM Unlock as specified above.

Root:
FunkyHuawei has begun selling pre-rooted Mate 20 Pros. Check the link on the main FunkyHuawei site for info.

The methods which are not public are available to those who want to test them, by contacting FunkyHuawei support by email.

We will update this thread with any changes.

I just need the unlock code. How much do you charge for that?

 

[andixxx81]

I have LYA -AL00 from China Mate 20 Pro 8/128Gb..is this possible to unlock bootloader?i want to change to global rom

 

[David Horn]

I just need the unlock code. How much do you charge for that?

Use www.unlockthatphone.com. Code came through within the hour and although it sounds expensive to begin with it's the only site that isn't saying it takes a week.

 

[geniusxie1]

This is the official FunkyHuawei support thread for the Mate 20 Pro.
The below applies to both the Mate 20 and the Mate 20 Pro.

Install:
Currently FunkyHuawei has a new install method for EMUI 9 devices which is not public as of yet.

Unbrick:
Unbricking will be possible with the new HiSuite 9 method, but it is not public as of yet.

Rebrand:
Rebranding is not currently planned to be offered. Neither is single sim to dual sim conversion. This may change in the future.

Unlock:
Unlock codes are available via the unlock code order form, or by purchasing an unlimited pass. See the site for details.
If you have a global variant, make sure that you can choose Enable OEM Unlock in developer options. So far we have seen the option grayed out on all devices. If you can't enable this, even with the code, you can't unlock the bootloader.
It has been confirmed that bootloader unlocking on the Chinese variant is possible. On the global variant we can give you the code, but you'll need to be able to choose Enable OEM Unlock as specified above.

Root:
FunkyHuawei has begun selling pre-rooted Mate 20 Pros. Check the link on the main FunkyHuawei site for info.

The methods which are not public are available to those who want to test them, by contacting FunkyHuawei support by email.

We will update this thread with any changes.

Hi duraaraa,

I am having a Canadian single SIM model LYA-L0C and wondering if it will be possible to change to dual sim later in the future. Not to sure if the hardware is capable of dual SIM. Hope you guys are offering such service soon.
Thanks.

 

[Mikyooo]

So, my Mate 20 Pro is the single Sim version, but it has dual sim slot. is that mean the phone can be dual sim but the system lock this function? Is it possible to flash or unlock dual sim?

 

[walkwitmeinhel]

@duraaraa hello sir my phone is chinese mate 20X but there is no oem unlock option in dev option will i be able to unlock code if i get code?

 

[Minotaur]

I thought the Chinese version bootloaders were already unlocked, so you wouldn't need an unlock code in the 1st place?

 

[walkwitmeinhel]

I thought the Chinese version bootloaders were already unlocked, so you wouldn't need an unlock code in the 1st place?

Are you sure chinese mate is already unlocked? Tell me howbto check bootloader status

 

[walkwitmeinhel]

I thought the Chinese version bootloaders were already unlocked, so you wouldn't need an unlock code in the 1st place?

No now i connect my phone to pc in fastboot mode it display message phone is locked ..btw if someone come with root i will unlock my BL with code need to buy anyway

 

[Minotaur]

From the extra reading I've done, all versions come with a locked bootloader, but the Chinese version (LYA-AL00) can be unlocked with a code.

 

[urbaniz9r]

LYA-L09 - mine is sadly locked aswell and the Option is greyed out.

I really hope that there will be a way around it eventually

 

[Pho3nX]

When i read all your message i'm happy to boycott Huawei from Bootloader is locked. I have purshase 2 Huawei in the past for my parents, both rooted, but it's a pity with Huawei for keep devices updates/rooted. You can brik easily a Honor/Huawei, unlock bootloader is not possible now, devices are now overpriced.... Gosh, run away!

A lot of customers WANT root, it's normal to have the choice. Huawei lose customers with their Apple politic, but apparently Huawei want be the Android "Apple". Even Samsung is not closed like Huawei lol

 

[Minotaur]

Even Samsung is not closed like Huawei lol

Samsung just disavow the phone if you trip the Knox counter. Even if a warranty claim has zero to do with the phone being modified.

 

[zenaldo]

From the extra reading I've done, all versions come with a locked bootloader, but the Chinese version (LYA-AL00) can be unlocked with a code.

Anyone knows what the advantage to use the global ROM instead the Chinese one that comes with this Chinese version? I mean, if there is no major diferences or limitation I will buy the Chinese version to get the unlocked bootloader and keep the high hopes to have a fully rooted phone in a near future.

 

[SAO]

@duraaraa
Hi mate, just wondering you didn't get the latest firmwares yet? I read 139 etc are coming out for LYA.

 

[jhs39]

The new FunkyHuawei update method doesn't appear to be working for anybody with International or UK variants of the Mate 20 Pro so far.

FunkyHuawei claims all the phones have the same firmware so different builds aren't necessary for different model numbers like with the other Huawei phones.

The result is that everybody gets the same error message during verification when trying to update using FunkyHuawei.

Think twice before spending any money on the Funky Huawei service for this phone because it currently does not work for anyone and there is no support and no refunds.